A Closer Look at Autumn

With the knowledge that autumn passes us by quickly in this part of the world and that opportunities are fleeting, I’ve recently been on a personal mission to document the changing season as thoroughly as possible. Too often though, I find myself looking at the same scene - the grand vista, if you will; so I made it my goal to take a more intimate look at this valley, to appreciate the smaller aspects and all that is happening right in front of me. I admire photographers who can celebrate the ordinary and find beauty in the most common, overlooked places. To me, that is the mark of a true artist. This morning, I found the inspiration I’ve been searching for and took a closer look at autumn in Eagle River Valley. See also: Autumn Colors

Currant leaves backlit by morning sun

Birch leaf resting on a cranberry leaf

Frosted white birch leaves

Fall colors in morning light reflect on the creek at the Eagle River Nature Center

Frost-covered rose hip

Currant leaf

Frozen cranberries

Cranberry leaf

Winter at the Eagle River Nature Center, Alaska

A collection of images taken during winter months at the Eagle River Nature Center, Alaska. Most of these were created since taking up residence here in October of 2014.

Here comes the sun!! After a two-month absence, sunlight has returned to our little corner of Eagle River Valley. I created this time-lapse around noon on January 30, approximately 34 minutes and 288 images condensed into a 12-second clip.

Denali National Park

Since first visiting Denali in 1996, I have returned dozens of times, often in early September when the autumn colors are peaking around North America's tallest mountain. If I were to add up all of my trips into Denali, they would collectively equate to months spent in one of my most cherished places.

Arctic Alaska

Harsh, beautiful, and unforgiving; the arctic landscape is like none other. In August of 2006 I fulfilled my dream of visiting the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, on a rafting trip with two great friends, Chris McMichael and Leif Heide. We floated from the foothills of the Brooks Range to the coastal plain, enduring horizontal rain and freezing temps along the way.

Shublik Warm Springs, Arctic National Wildlife Refuge

Sunset over the Canning River, Arctic National Wildlife Refuge

Trans-Alaska Pipeline, Dalton Highway

Aerial view of Alaska's North Slope

September snowstorm, Dalton Highway

Autumn colors, Dalton Highway

Rafting the Canning River, Arctic National Wildlife Refuge

Filtering drinking water from the Canning River, Arctic National Wildlife Refuge

Rafting the Canning River, Arctic National Wildlife Refuge

Autumn colors, Dalton Highway

Rafting the Canning River, Arctic National Wildlife Refuge

Filtering drinking water from the Canning River, Arctic National Wildlife Refuge

Boundary Waters/Quetico

As a native Minnesotan, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area is a sacred place that is famous for foggy sunrises, grand waterfalls and solitude. Most of my visits to the BWCA took me across the border into Ontario's Quetico Park as well.

Minnesota Skies

While I love the vast wildness and endless opportunities of life in Alaska, I do miss the weather patterns and extreme temperature variations in my home state of Minnesota, which make for stunning skyscapes.

Alaskan Moments

Every day is a constant reminder of why I call Alaska home. Mountain vistas and vast, wild spaces.

Carving lines on Earth Day, Hatcher Pass

Denali with Fata Morgana Effect

September Morning at the Eagle River Nature Center, Chugach State Park

Floatplane on Lake George, Chugach State Park, Alaska

Here Comes the Sun...

Beginning in late November each year when the sun is low on the southern horizon, this part of Eagle River Valley receives no direct sunlight for approximately two months. In order to celebrate the return of the light, I created this time-lapse video on January 30, 2018; consisting of 25 minutes and 288 images condensed into a 12-second clip.

Crow Pass Trail Highlights

The Crow Pass Trail is a 23-mile trek that begins in Girdwood and ends at the Eagle River Nature Center (Alaska); climbing 2,000 feet from the trailhead to the top of Crow Pass and descending 4,000 feet to Eagle River, where hikers must ford the swift, icy glacial water. The river crossing is roughly the halfway point. It is a very popular trek and each summer the trail sees several hundred hikers. Despite its popularity, it is a true backcountry experience and not for the faint of heart. There are several water crossings and steep portions where sure footing is essential.

A monochromatic, two-minute exposure dramatizes the movement in the clouds and the river on an overcast day

Golden hour on the Albert Loop Trail

Summer sunset over Eagle River

Darren's Bridge, Albert Loop Trail

Summer Sunset, Rodak Nature Trail

Dwarf Fireweed in High Water

2015 Icy River Rampage Fat Tire Bike Race

With temps hovering around -15˚F, it was cold on the hands and my camera gear but the light was beautiful. Judging from the frosted faces, racers suffered as well but that didn't dampen their spirits. I would especially like to tip my stocking hat to those who competed on fat tire unicycles!

2016 Icy River Rampage Fat Tire Bike Race

It was a wet, sloppy mess but fun to watch and photograph! Cheers to the hardy fools who persisted through the rain and slush.

2017 Icy River Rampage Fat Tire Bike Race

Conditions were excellent for this year's race. We've gotten a good amount of snow and cold temps have frozen the river nicely.

2018 Icy River Rampage Fat Tire Bike Race

It was a cold day out on the river but once again, I had a blast shooting this event! Racers: Click hereto purchase a high-res copy of your image for $20. If you do not see yourself here and would like me to search for your photo, please email me (mail@colintyler.com).